Fine French cello, probably Collin-Mézin

This fine cello was probably made under the direction of Charles Collin-Mézin père; it is a top-quality instrument that occupies a special place in his oeuvre. It was made during the creative period of Charles Jean Baptiste Collin-Mézin, known as Collin-Mézin père; Collin-Mézin père was an award-winning Mirecourt luthier who had enjoyed major international successes in Paris from 1867 on and had an sterling reputation amongst the finest musicians of his day. His son grew up within this environment of the utmost musical and artisanal excellence, and well past the death of Collin-Mézin père, he continued operating the family business under the name Collin-Mézin fils, although in 1925 he moved it from Paris back to the family home of Mirecourt, the town with a rich tradition of violin making. Out of loyalty to his heritage, however, he continued to use labels that read Collin-Mézin père, as was the case on this cello’s label with a handwritten number and signature. This cello serves as a benchmark of sorts in his oeuvre, given the fact that he was highly esteemed especially for his celli and basses. The thick coat of transparent orange-brown varnish is an important defining characteristic of the Collin-Mezin style which gives his instruments an Italian note without diluting their unmistakably French character. The Collin-Mézin pere family workshop demonstrated superior craftsmanship in the meticulously precise and detailed approach took in every aspect of this work, including to the perfectly executed purfling in the deep-drawn beesting corners, the painstakingly carved and elegantly blackened scroll, and the masterful selection of the finest tone woods. The delightfully lovely varnish and the mild flames of the maple used for the back and ribs is eye-catching in its beauty, rightfully drawing attention to an instrument with acoustic and playing properties that are exceptional. It came to us in need of some restoration of some table and rib cracks and is now offered fully restored, ready to play. Our luthiers were won over by its mature sound with its refined clarity.